Check your tablet's current software version first

Before you update, find out what version your tablet is running now. This takes less than a minute and tells you whether an update is actually available. The steps differ slightly between iPad and Android tablets, but both are straightforward.

On an iPad, go to Settings, then tap General, then About. Look for the line that says Software Version or iOS Version. Write down that number — it will look something like 17.2 or 16.5.

On an Android tablet, open Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap About tablet (or About device). Look for Android version or Build number. Android version numbers look different — they might say Android 13 or Android 14.

Key Takeaways

  • Updates usually arrive automatically, but you can check manually in Settings and install them right away.
  • Plug your tablet into power and connect to Wi-Fi before starting an update, because the process can take 15 to 45 minutes.
  • Do not turn off your tablet, close the app, or unplug it during an update, or you may damage the software.
  • If an update fails or gets stuck, force restart your tablet by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then try again.

Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in your power adapter

Updates are large files — usually between 500 megabytes and 3 gigabytes — so a strong Wi-Fi connection is essential. Do not use mobile data or a weak signal, because a dropped connection can interrupt the read and cause problems.

Plug your tablet into a power outlet using its original charger or a certified replacement. Updates can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes depending on your tablet's age and the size of the update. If the battery dies halfway through, the software can become corrupted and your tablet may not start properly.

Make sure you have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. Do not plan to use the tablet for something else during this window.

Find and start the update on iPad

Open Settings and tap General. Look for a button or option called Software Update or System Update. Tap it, and your iPad will check whether a new version is available.

If an update is ready, you will see a button that says read and Install or just Install. Tap it. Your iPad may ask you to enter your passcode — this is normal security. After you enter it, the read begins automatically.

Once the read finishes, you will see a prompt asking whether you want to install now or later. Choose Install Now. Your iPad will restart several times during the process — this is normal. Do not interrupt it.

Find and start the update on Android

Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About device. Tap System update or Software update — the exact name varies by manufacturer (Samsung, Google, Amazon, etc.). Your tablet will check for available updates.

If an update is ready, a button will appear saying read or read and install. Tap it. The tablet will read the file in the background — you do not need to stay in Settings while this happens.

Once the read is complete, you will see a prompt to restart and install. Tap Install or Restart now. Your tablet will shut down, install the update, and restart automatically. This can take 20 to 40 minutes. The screen may go black or show a progress bar — both are normal.

What to do if an update gets stuck or fails

If the update seems frozen — the screen has not changed in 10 minutes, or a progress bar is not moving — try a force restart. Hold down the Power button for 10 full seconds until the screen goes black. Release it and wait for the tablet to turn back on. This does not erase your data.

If the update fails and you see an error message, write down the error code if one appears. Plug the tablet back in, go to Settings, and try the update again. Most failures are temporary and succeed on the second attempt.

If the same error happens twice, or if your tablet will not start at all after an update attempt, you may need to restore it using a computer. This is rare, but if it happens, connect your tablet to a computer with iTunes (iPad) or Android File Transfer (Android) and follow the restore prompts. This will erase everything on the tablet, so only do this as a last resort.

Turn off automatic updates if you prefer to update manually

By default, most tablets read updates automatically and prompt you to install them. If you want to control when updates happen, you can turn off automatic downloads.

On iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Toggle off read iOS Updates and Install System Data and Security Updates. You will still see notifications when updates are ready, but they will not read on their own.

On Android, the process varies by manufacturer. On Samsung tablets, go to Settings > System > System update and look for an option to disable automatic updates. On Google Pixel tablets, go to Settings > System > System update > Advanced and toggle off Automatic system updates. Check your tablet's manual if you cannot find this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update my tablet?

Install updates as soon as they are ready. Updates fix security problems and bugs that can slow your tablet down or make it vulnerable to hackers. You do not need to wait for a specific time — just make sure you have power and Wi-Fi available.

Will an update erase my photos, apps, or files?

No. Updates install on top of your existing software and do not touch your data. Your photos, documents, apps, and settings will all be there after the update finishes. The only exception is if something goes seriously wrong and you have to do a factory reset, which is very rare.

Can I use my tablet while it is updating?

No. Once the installation starts, your tablet will restart and be unavailable until the update is complete. Do not try to use it, close apps, or unplug it during this time. Plan to leave it alone for 15 to 45 minutes.

What if my tablet is too old to get the latest update?

Older tablets eventually stop receiving updates — manufacturers only support devices for a certain number of years. If your tablet will not show an available update after checking multiple times, it has likely reached the end of its support cycle. You can still use it, but it will not receive new security fixes.

Do I need a Google or Apple account to update?

You may be asked to sign in with your account during or after the update, especially if you are updating to a major new version. Have your password ready. If you do not remember it, you can reset it on a computer before you start the update.